Friday, August 21, 2009

lazy summer days

I often think of "The Lil' Rascals" and how they just seemed to roam through life with one another and without a schedule or a camp to keep them busy. There is something about having structured time and then having time to enjoy the "lazy days of summer." Letting a bit of boredom in can pose a challenge as we seem to be programmed to be productive.

As a child my mother never allowed for any of us to be bored. She instead found numerous ways for all seven of us to find our own unique "gifts." Be it through an organized program or simply the family business, we began working or crafting at a young age. I attended art camps and classes, dance classes, ceramic classes. I was able to learn a myriad of mediums and art has always provided me with lots to do to challenge myself.

Summer swimming has ended for my daughter, now she is currently attending the Summer Arts Workshop, offered by the RiverArts, Rivertowns Arts Council. It is a wonderful program offering a series of multi-disciplinary workshops for those who have a keen interest in the visual as well as the performing arts.

My sons are attending an boot camp here for preparing to take the S.A.T. Test which they seem to be enjoying. On Saturday, they will have a test to see how they perform as well as give indicators to weaknesses as well as strengths.

What are your thoughts, how do you balance your day or your children's day to be one part productive and one part lazy? You have my permission to enjoy a lazy summer day.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

The RiverArts program your daughter is attending sounds so interesting.
My twin sister was athletic when we were children and rode horses, played tennis things like that. I wasn't able to do any strenuous physical activities like that. But my mom didn't want me sitting around the house so when I wasn't swimming, I had drawing, painting and art classes, pottery clases, knitting classes and a variety of arts and crafts classes.
When I had to stop working several years ago, I drew on that background to keep myself busy and also started writing a bit. I don't find boredom to be an issue, but I like a lazy day occasionally!

Formerly known as Frau said...

I'm all about structure but love a lazy day too!

Pretty Neat Designs said...

Working at home is a struggle for me because I feel like there are no clear boundaries of work time and play time, so I try to carve out time each day where I won't answer my calls or return e-mail messages from clients, that way I am sure to get some time that is 100% for me.

Debra said...

Everything seems to loosen up in the summer and I like that. But I do look forward to more of a routine come autumn. I was always doing some sort of art class, camp, volunteering during the summer as a young girl. I love that your children are busy and involved. Enjoy an unstructured weekend!

Purple Flowers said...

I am a list person for things that need to get done. So I am structured in that way. After that, I like the unstructered mode. That is necessary for me too.

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

Jeez..........I'm old enought to remeber watching the Little Rascals! No time left for lazing around this summer, but I would if I could! I love doing nothing.

jae said...

your daughter's art program sounds like an amazing experience for her. i have no doubt that art will always be a major part of your children's lives. my son goes to a middle school for the arts...he was very fortunate to be accepted and it has been a terrific experience for him. my daughter is starting dance classes soon. we try to keep them in at least one art activity, but we are sure to make it something they love.

Deidra said...

The other day my husband was wandering around the house. I asked him what was going on and he said, "Nothing. I think I'm bored." So I asked him if he wanted to do something, and he answered, "No. I think I just want to be bored for a change."

modernemama said...

Some of my most productive times have come out of being "bored" - discovering a new recipe or re-designing a garden, learning a new language and switching careers can all be traced back to having the space and time to think...

Kwana said...

I can work a bit more on the balance part. My kids worked this summer so now they are enjoying the lazy part of the summer for the last few weeks. I take a few hours while they are lazy write/read and do work when I can. It's hard when they are home.

littlebyrd said...

Great topic. My summer days were more like the little rascals - only vacation bible school for one week and maybe swimming lessons. Other than that we were on our own.

Summer is a Verb said...

SAT boot camp? Gosh, I am sooo glad to be done with school...XXOO

Karena said...

When my youngest granddaughter Isabella comes over this weekend, we will have lots of fun. It is a balancing act to do our art projects, paint fingers and toes, play scrabble, watch a movie,etc. Relax and eat out on the deck. She makes a list, we never get everything done!!

Shandell's said...

I loved watching the Little Rascals, the dog of course was my favorite. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.

Prairie Girl Studio said...

as much as i love the 'idea' of a lazy day ... i just get too excited about all the things i could do ... but i must say i do often do things at a leisurely pace so perhaps there is always an element of 'laze' in my daze!
your children are most fortunate to have the opportunities they are having to help fill their time ... my boys all drive and have summer jobs, so their scheduling is so much different now ... but i think they all would love to be a bit more lazy every now and again ...
i do look forward to the structure of the school year though and often 'do a dance' on my first day of 'freedom'!
have a lovely weekend,
prairiegirl

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Such a great post. Your mother was a wise woman. Boredom is when children usually get into mischief and summer can be so long for them. Look at the incredibly talented person you became because your mother made sure you developed your creative side. It truly is a fine balance during those summer months. I love the idea of the boot camp for SAT's. There are classes offered here to prepare, but the boot camp idea is great. Child #4 takes her's in Oct. Being prepared will take away a lot of the anxiety for your sons, I am sure they will knock their scores out of the park!. Happy weekend PVE ~

###### said...

lol..that picture to cute...i am not a summer fan..i like fall and winter...summer in tx is...to dang hot..

Anonymous said...

I had tons of time to be bored. Only child, both parents worked, rural area. Became a voracious reader, letter writer, poet, sewer, baker, lover of animals, and especially day dreamer.